Report Suggests Some Mistakes May Have Broken Laws

A state legislative auditor's report points to major problems in the New Orleans Police Department property and evidence room, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in money that is either missing or unaccounted for.

Sources told the WDSU I-Team Wednesday that the report raises the possibility that laws regarding how missing money is reported may have been broken.

The latest developments follow several disclosures made by I-Team investigative reporter Travers Mackel last November. His reports highlighted security concerns, missing cash and general disorganization at the property warehouse located on Magnolia Street in Central City.

The problems were detailed as well in an 800-page report, obtained by WDSU, that showed how evidence had rusted away, bags of drugs had been tossed into corners and DNA samples were stored in a common refrigerator.

The report was the product of a California-based company called Evidence Control Systems.

"The evidence room is in total disarray, and we need to take immediate steps to fix that as soon as possible," said State Rep. Cameron Henry, R-New Orleans.

State lawmakers from New Orleans called for the audit shortly thereafter. It was just recently completed.

Police Superintendent Warren Riley -- when contacted by WDSU this evening -- called a news conference to address the matter. Riley told the media an investigation has developed leads into the apparent theft of money from the evidence room.

WDSU has learned the total amount may reach $200,000.

?I'm going to be honest with you. Because the investigation is still ongoing, I don't know the total,? Riley said.

Earlier this year, the department admitted that some money at the warehouse had likely been stolen. The concession came from Riley after a defense attorney sought the return of more than $18,000 that had been confiscated from his client.

In March, the department showed WDSU substantial upgrades and organizational improvements to its facilities.

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